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Genus Asarum (Wild ginger)

Asarum Asarum shuttleworthii Photo/Illustration: Paul Moore
ah-SAR-um Common Name: Wild ginger Synonyms: Heterotropa, Hexastylis
The 70 or so species making up this genus are mainly evergreen, low-growing, and rhizomatous woodland perennials from Europe, East Asia, and North America. They are grown for their heart-shaped or kidney-shaped, glossy, sometimes marbled leaves that conceal unusual-looking pitcher-shaped flowers that are malodorous. Asarum make nice groundcovers or woodland garden plants. Their rhizomes are aromatic.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Large, glossy leaves. Unusual, hidden, pitcher-shaped flowers. Mostly evergreen.
 Care: Asarum like partial to full shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. They prefer a neutral to acidic pH.
 Propagation: As soon as the seeds are ripe, sow them in containers in a cold frame. Divide carefully in early spring.
 Problems: Slugs and snails, mostly in spring. Leaf gall, rust.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Asarum

Asarum canadense Asarum canadense
(Wild ginger, Canadian wild ginger) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Fertile, moist, well-drained soil This native favorite is an intriguing ground cover. Its rounded, lustrous leaves form an appealing carpet of green that hides brownish purple spring flowers. Canadian wild ginger is easy to grow, especially in moist spots, although it can tolerate dry sites once established.

This plant produces beautiful, 2- to 4-inch, glossy green heart-shaped leaves. You'll find interesting, mauve-purple flowers hidden under its foliage.
Asarum europaeum Asarum europaeum
(European wild ginger) (2 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

European wild ginger is a low-growing groundcover with glossy, evergreen, heart-shaped leaves. Its unusual purple-brown flowers lie mostly concealed beneath foliage.
Asarum shuttleworthii Asarum shuttleworthii
(Evergreen wild ginger) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This wild ginger is an evergreen groundcover with heart-shaped, shiny leaves that are often marbled. Its interesting brown-purple flowers hide beneath the foliage.
Asarum shuttleworthii 'Callaway' Asarum shuttleworthii 'Callaway'
(Callaway ginger) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This is a slow-growing ginger, but worth the wait. Its round evergreen green leaves have a prominent silver-white mottling.